For women who have completed cancer treatment, you know that the recovery journey has its challenges. Sudden hot flashes. Night sweats that ruin your sleep. A dry vagina that no one tells you about. Mood swings, feeling like you're an outsider in your body. Regular hormone replacement therapy is typically not recommended for survivors, so many women begin considering bioidentical hormones, which they assume are a gentle choice.
So, what are Bioidentical Hormones?
These are hormones made to copy the exact structure of what your body naturally produces. These are available from a standard doctor or compounding pharmacy that can tailor the medication to your needs. The term "bioidentical" suggests that it is inherently safer than conventional HRT, but there is no current evidence to support this claim.
Should survivors use them?
For most women who've had breast cancer, doctors still say no to systemic hormone therapy, and that includes bioidentical versions in pill, patch, gel, or cream form. Why? Because a lot of breast cancers grow in response to estrogen or progesterone. Any other hormones put into your body, whether or not they are natural, may potentially activate dormant cancer cells and/or increase the likelihood of recurrence. We don't have enough studies to confirm that bioidentical hormones are any safer than conventional hormones when it comes to breast cancer history.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, sometimes. All women's cases are different. Some survivors discuss limited options with their oncology team if symptoms are severe and nothing else touches their skin. If the problem is vaginal dryness, doctors will first start with moisturizers, water-based lubricants, and changing your lifestyle habits. In rare instances, low-dose vaginal estrogen is also considered, but in consultation with both an oncologist and a gynecologist.
What can you do
Plenty of survivors find relief without touching hormones at all:
Layer your clothing so hot flashes don't catch you off guard
Keep your room cool, especially at bedtime
Move your body regularly
Watch your weight
Cut back on alcohol and caffeine if they trigger flare-ups
Ask about non-hormonal medications that might help
Natural does not always mean safe. For women who are post-menopausal and suffering from rough menopause, do not try anything yourself. Talk to your oncologist or gynecologist and determine what works for you and your medical history. That discussion is more important than any that you can read online.